Our Love Affair With Toilet Paper
87
Only the Best Will Do
We in the West are enamored with toilet paper. Although most of the civilized world now uses paper to clean up after nature’s less glamorous bodily functions, we expect nothing less than soft two-ply tissue paper.
We Really Don't Know "Squat"
Except for those who do a lot of traveling, most of us are oblivious to the fact that in parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East and several European countries, people are not unaccustomed to using only their hands and water for the same purpose. Although you’re not likely to find a “Squat Toilet” in a 3 or 4-star hotel in those regions, they are very often found in public restrooms.
Though Squat Toilets vary greatly in degrees of cleanliness, as do all public restrooms throughout the world, they all share one thing in common. Squat systems offer a running water method for personal cleansing. If you're lucky, they have toilet paper too.
Without getting into too many details, a Squat Toilet is a hole in the ground enclosed in a stall, which in finer accommodations is tiled. Running water and a bucket is provided for you to do the washing up. It’s a very green way to go, as no paper is used. Instead, you use your hand to do the dirty work and if you’re lucky you don’t mess your clothes or fall into the hole.
It’s been said that squatting to do your serious business not only saves you on toilet paper, it actually has health benefits. It seems squatting naturally opens your evacuation channels. Green and healthful; Very impressive!
I did know that squatting to give birth has merits, as does
lifting a heavy box, but beyond that I was clueless. I suppose you can get in
that healthful colon-cleansing position simply by sitting on the john while
hugging your knees. I would;
however, recommend taking a few Stretch Classes first. Then all you have to do is buy yourself an elongated toilet from the Kohler company to further accommodate
the position and you're set for life.
Getting back to our love of TP, I have to say Westerners have become spoiled by the endless varieties of toilet paper available in supermarkets today. You can find everything from super-soft, to scented, to super-strong varieties. We even have a brand that promises not to leave white bits on your private parts. Talk about lint picking.
I remember my first visit to the Middle East. I was instructed to bring my own toilet paper and to bring a few rolls as gifts. It paid off. The TP at my accommodation did turn out to be made of egg carton material and my thoughtful offering to others, helped me attracted many new admirers. I still carry a pack of travel-sized tissues with me on my more adventurous journeys.
The History of Very Personal Hygiene
Another thing people rarely think about is the history of toilet paper. I mean it certainly isn’t an elective subject at university, although it could very easily be taught within a humanities class. Wiping your butt is most definitely a human distinction and it does has a colorful past. (no pun intended).
One of the first items ever used for bathroom hygiene was a mussel shell. I’m baffled at what they were thinking, as mussel shells have absolutely no absorbency and what’s more they have a sharp edge. Oh I think I just got it.
Still I think civilization’s advances may be equated with man’s method of wiping his bum.
The Ancient Greeks used stones and pieces of clay (some absorbency there I guess).
Eskimos used tundra moss in the summer months, (now we’re getting somewhere) and handfuls of snow during the balance of the year. (Brrrrrrrr)
The Ancient Romans used sponges on the ends of sticks, kept in jugs filled with salty water. Very clever, although I would hope to own my own sponge.
The Vikings were probably the first to opt for comfort as well as hygiene. They used discarded sheep’s wool.
The Spanish and Portuguese sailors, being the manly men that they were, used the frayed end of an old anchor cable. It didn’t say whether water or any other lubricating agent was employed.
French Royalty was it’s usual excessive self, choosing to use lace and hemp to clean their bottoms, while the rest of Europe used hay, straw, moss, grass and old rags.
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The first “official” toilet paper - that is, paper that was produced specifically for the purpose of personal hygiene, dates back to the late 14th Century, when Chinese emperors ordered it in 2-foot x 3-foot sheets. Now that’s a big wad of TP. Either they had no problem tearing off pieces, or they had exceptionally large buttocks.
In America early toilet paper was a good old-fashioned corncob. I suspect most out houses were build in or near cornfields. When people started getting the Sears catalogue it quickly made it’s way into the outhouse. This was a convenient arrangement. You could do your shopping while doing your business, then use the advertisements for toilet paper. The Farmer’s Almanac was also a popular TP publication. It actually had a hole in it, so it could be hung on a hook and the pages could easily be torn off.
Then in 1857 Joseph C. Gayetty of New York got a brilliant idea. He started producing the first packaged toilet paper in the U.S. It consisted of pre-moistened flat sheets medicated with aloe; Kind of like the scented wet wipes we use today.
Shortly thereafter, rolled and perforated toilet paper hit the scene, manufactured by the Albany Perforated Wrapping Paper Company in 1877 and then the Scott Paper company in 1879 or 1890.
This was during the Victorian Era where even in America the very mention of bathroom business was an embarrassment. The Scott Company was so embarrassed by their own product, they couldn’t bring themselves to put their name on it, so they customized it for their clients... hence the Waldorf Hotel became a big name in toilet paper.
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The War Years
Europe was hurting financially after WWI and there was neither the money, nor the inclination to produce such a “hygienic novelty” as bathroom tissue.
However; in 1928, despite the global economic crisis, a man named Klenk opened a toilet paper factory in Ludwigsburg . He produced the usual perforated paper on a roll, but more importantly it had good decomposition qualities so it didn’t block up the canals; Very sustainable for its day!
In 1935, Northern Tissue brought out "splinter-free" toilet paper. I forgot to mention; early toilet paper contained wood chippings or “splinters” embedded in the paper. Ouch!
The toilet paper industry flourished as indoor plumbing became the norm.
Then America experienced its first toilet paper shortage in 1973. I haven’t a clue as to why this happened, but I do know that it was the year the U.S. signed a peace agreement with Vietnam and the year burglars were caught breaking into Democratic Party headquarters at the Watergate Complex. You can come to your own conclusions.
Some Intriguing Statistics
Today there are over 5,000 different companies producing bathroom tissue around the world. Way back in 1997, it was estimated that people “waste” about 1,000 sheets of TP each day. The logistics of that survey must have been interesting.
Here’s something everyone who uses the bathroom should to know: The entire world uses 2.7 rolls per second. But wait, there’s more….
Sixty-eight percent of toilet paper users prefer pulling the sheet from over the top of the roll, rather than from under the bottom of the roll.
Forty-four percent of people wipe from front to back, and sixty percent look at the paper they just wiped.
Forty-two percent fold; thirty-three percent crumple; eight percent both fold and crumple and six percent wrap it around their hands.
Fifty percent of people have at one time or another wiped with something other than toilet paper, but only one percent have wiped their butts with money. When I get rich, I must remember to try that.
In 1964 Americans were bombarded with insipid but highly successful television commercials for “Squeezably Soft” Charmin featuring Dick Wilson as the almost lovable Mr. Whipple.
For his role in making Charmin the No. 1 toilet paper in America, Wilson's salary grew to $300,000 a year, and Procter & Gamble promised him a "lifetime supply" of toilet paper.
Toilet Paper That's Really From Down Under
© Copyright Green Lotus, 2011. All rights reserved.
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Question is, do you scrunch (crumple) or do you fold? Iam finding about 50% of scrunchers to 50% of folders on my hub asking that question.
Looks like you have everything that is toilet paper covered here, great hub!
Geez you talk a lot of sheet (paper, sheet, sheet of paper?). I loved reading this hub Green Lotus! When I was in college and living off campus, we used to steal toilet paper from the dorms to cut costs. Why didn't any one of those older civilizations think to use leaves? (and not the itchy kind, lol). I had a lot of fun reading this as you must of had a lot of fun writing it!
Keep on wiping and keep on hubbing :D
Hello Rochelle! Thanks for commenting. Love your story too. Funny you find fewer flower patterns these days.
Thanks LJ. I'm a folder myself :) I think they call that "anal".
Hi dohn. LOL.!..funny about leaves;you're right, too many cases of poison ivy I guess! Glad you had a laugh..I did too.
Fun hub... and informative too. I am very much involved with toilet paper. I have a bed and Breakfast and in order for AAA to approve us, we have to fold "points" on the outside of the hanging roll....which we do with glee :=)
Reading this was an absolute delight-and a trip down memory lane. In 1985 I spent 9 months in the People's Republic of China for my MA and became quite used to squat toilets. Now in our 'dorm,' we had tp, but in the countryside, there were, umm, squat troughs, I suppose you'd call them, where there was no running water whatsoever. And lots of evidence of prior visitors!
Lovely.
You, Green Lotus, are a hoot!
You have such a great sense of humor! What was your inspiration for this hub? I have this weird mental image of sitting on the toilet and exclaiming, Hey! why don't I write a Hub about this? LOL. Human beings are so creative. At least we invented restrooms, toilets and toilet paper instead of walking around with personalized pooper scoopers!
Thanks for your nice comments Alek. You could always make one of those fancy origami flowers for the "suites" :))
Hey Lorlie, lucky you spending that long a time in China! What stories you must have!..including some squat toilet ones :) In researching the photos for this hub I came across a really nasty photo of one in China so I know what you mean.
Jai, thank you so much. I need to write more fun stuff this year. Actually I don't remember when the inspiration hit me, most likely in the middle of dream, because I found the note to myself in my bedside notebook. I probably had to go to the bathroom at the time :).
This was a fun hub Green Lotus. I never want to use a squat toilet though, no matter how green that is! I thought on Frontier House, the documentary where three families live a frontier life of the 1800's, that it was pretty gross how each family had a rag for this purpose. All of the rags were in close proximity, and she talked about how each person was responsible for cleaning their own rag. I preferred how one man used grass, which just appeared way more hygienic. On Pitcairn Island until recently they only had outhouses, and I hear the telephone book was used as TP.
Glad you enjoyed it SweetiePie! Rags are pretty nasty :O
BTW There is "green" TP at the supermarket, but it's kinda rough. I think the best thing to do is just use less.
Green Lotus,
I have tried some of the green paper, and I found one brand that was actually soft. Personally it is the squatting toilets that I would want to avoid :).
I always wanted to buy toilet paper stocks too and your blog is so funny and it is informative---wish I'd more time to read it!
Hahaaaaa! Great article there Gl, well done. Maybe a week doesn't go by, that this relatively spoiled American isn't grateful for "sanitary paper". I chide myself that I pine for a more primitive time in history, but when it comes to modern conveniences, forget the hot tub, forget the combustion engine or the dishwasher. What the hell would life be without toilet paper? Really well researched I might add, and your humor is great and regular. Ha, sorry couldn't resist!
funny and interesting at the same time. bravo!
Hello ladybugs I'm so glad you enjoyed my Hub. Thanks for your kind comments!
Ben I agree. What would life be without TP? Messier for sure!
Thanks for stopping by Alan..happy to make you smile :)Welcome to Hubpages!
Green Lotus:---Quite frankly, the toilet paper squeeze of '73 has slipped from my memory ( my parents always stocked up, perhaps because they knew what it was like to use corn cobs and leaves ). Anyway, whatever shortage that may have occurred would have coincided with the first Arab oil boycott ( I do remember that ). Nonetheless, an excellent piece of research.
Hi Green Lotus,
I found this particular hub very interesting since, as you know, I spent some time in the middle east. Squat toilets are quite the norm in public places in Egypt, however there is always running water in which to clean ones self off after the deed is done. Even in many of the upper class houses/flats, you will find a water pipe fitted into the toilet or a bidet next to it or perhaps a spray nozzle like the ones in kitchens to wash with. It has always amused me when talking with westerners about this since they always feel that this is "dirty" or "uncivilized" as opposed to simply wiping your bum with dry TP. My approach to this was always and is today that , how in the world can you expect to get clean with dry toilet paper? isn't it much more sanitary to wash after such an episode? I can only imagine what is left "behind" even if you look and the paper is clean. We have gotten to the point that we have anti-bacterial, sterilizing wipes as you walk into the grocery store yet we continue to wipe our bums with a dry piece of paper!!! Thank god they are covered with garments as they walk around the street because god knows what would be wafting around if not. I personally wash after each "issue" and only use the paper to dry off but I applaud the eastern world for teaching me this hygiene 'cause I don't want to end up an old man with a brown bum simply 'cause I didn't "get it all" especially after that excruciating curry.
As always your hubs are phenomenal and I love you for it.
Wet wipes are also a good alternative.
Gaz
Great stuff - well researched and wonderful to have extraordinary facts on something that we take for granted (unless there is none!) every day.
I have used many things other than TP myself, but never a mussel shell.
Thanks PeeDee for that added bit of history!
Gaz-What a great comment! I agree there's nothing like a wet one for getting you squeaky clean. At least you don't have to take off most of your clothing to use it as in a squat toilet. Someone really needs to invent a double toilet paper dispenser that offers wet on the left and dry on the right!
Hi Nicks - much appreciated!
Ralwus somehow that piece of history will forever change the way I think about one of my favorite dishes - mussels in garlic cream sauce.
I forgot, when we went to Cancun we were impressed with the TP origami in our room. As well as the biday. Kewl!
What a crappy topic, pardon the pun. Sorry, couldn't resist. :) I can't imagine having to use my hands to do the dirty work of cleaning up...yikes. Just one more reason to be thankful for living where we do, I guess, though I can appreciate the thoughtfulness to environmental concerns.
BTW, I'm guessing this is why handshakes aren't customary in these places either...
Yes ralwus - bidets are cool because you can take off your pants.
Hello Springboard. Funny you should mention handshakes. It's taboo to offer your left hand for a handshake because that's the hand people use to wipe their bottoms. Why? Muslims attribute the practice to the Prophet, who, "commanded people to eat with their right hands". He said, "a devil eats with his left hand and drinks with his left hand." The commandment points to eating, but it seems the tradition has taken on new rules.
Gosh, you really need to get the award for the most original hubs and I never realised that looking at photos of toilet paper was so addictive. And I admit it, that was the most fascinating History lesson I've ever had!
Alas! my toilet paper dreams have always been beyond my reach - I've dreamt for years of getting the purple quilted rolls but it's a toilet paper love that cannot be! If my google earnings go right through the roof I'll be getting the quilted toilet paper in though - hope keeps my dream alive! One day my quilted toilet rolls and I will be together! (Better stop, I'm getting emotional..)
Hi apricot. Purple quilted toilet roll? I want some too! Thanks for the kudos.
I dislike toilet paper. It is one of the worst things about Europe. I much prefer a bidet type toilet as in Turkey or a hose or watering can as in Asia. I really don't believe that toilet paper gets anyone truly clean.
At the same time I can understand why the Europeans use paper...the water is so darned cold! Interestinh hub. Thank you.
Thank you for commenting Peter. It seems a few out there prefer a good wash up to a wipe. I think Bidets are great, but most of the American market still doesn't know what to do with them.
Well, well, well, a hub about the uses of toilet paper, who knew it could be interesting. I actually found it interesting, especially the history "behind" it, (pun intended). I still will continue to use my toilet paper though.
That hole in the floor scares me, I remember all too well the outhouses of Georgia, and how easy they were to fall into, not that I ever did, but almost once. And, yes, I remember the "dream book," what we called the Sears catalog, toilet paper. Anyway very good hub.
LOL..thanks fastfreta. Imagine falling into an outhouse toilet! OOOH did you see Slumdog Millionaire? The outhouse scene is so "powerful" you can taste it :( Glad you're enjoying my hubs!
Ahhhh the trials and tribulations of the squat toilet! I never really got used to it during my time in the far east, but I do have to say my nether regions definitley felt cleansed properly after washing with water!
Thanks for stopping by hacienda. Looks like we have another vote for washing with water!
I was introduced to toilet paper when I reached to Delhi. But I am comfortable in using water than paper.
Interesting hub.
LOL..thanks fastfreta. Imagine falling into an outhouse toilet! OOOH did you see Slumdog Millionaire? The outhouse scene is so "powerful" you can taste it :( Glad you're enjoying my blog! http://www.3dwallpaperdownload.blogspot.com/
Thanks for commenting jacobkuttyta!
vannarith - sorry I could not see your comment due a Hubpages glitch which I will report today.
Holey Shit. A hub about TP.
Hello Sooperjenni. Yes indeed! thanks for your comment :)
What a great hub, and apart from being funny, it was very interesting and educational. I can really identify with this hub based on my own 2 recent "poo" hubs.
I forgot to mention on my post (what everyone knows?) that the first flush loo (as we politely call them in the UK) was invented by a man called Thomas Crapper. Sadly for him, he has leant his name to the obvious word 'to crap'. Not exactly, something one would really want...
Thanks for your kind review misty - I'll have to check out your hubs!
Hi Nicks - Thanks for bringing up a fun and controversial subject! Thomas Crapper was a plumber who in the 1880's became famous for building flush toilets based on an earlier design by Albert Giblin. If you really want to go back..the first valve-type toilet was introduced in 1738 by a guy named J.F. Brondel. Somehow history has awarded Crapper with the distinction of being the inventor, but it's just not true. In fact, the word "crap" is an old English word that pre-dates him as well.
I certainly enjoyed this journey. You are a very engaging, witty writer and that makes your Hubs fun to read. Also educational. Thanks!
I always appreciate your comments James! Thanks and glad you enjoyed it.
Just a thought Green Lotus, but Shazwellyn posted a link on my hub to one of hers on a similar subject. It had me laughing so hard I very literally had tears rolling down my cheeks and could barely speak. Do give it a read as I am sure she will appreciate it and you will totally enjoy it. The link is:
Will do misty. Thanks.
That was great! I lived in a chambre de bonne in Paris in the 80s. I had a small room with a hot plate, bed, desk and was super lucky to have my own sink and shower. The toilet, however, was a "turkish" toilet. There was NEVER a line as noone spent any time reading the Sunday Times in there! LOL
It built good thigh muscles but I doubt my older knees would be happy now. And actually, there was never a gross dirty seat to contend with. The flush was quite exuberant and you had to make sure you'd crossed the threshold out of the room before you pulled!
Good story mbwalz...and thanks so much for stopping by!
Crazy, but I had actually been wondering about all of this. A friend recently confessed to taking extra phone books from the post office, as they make 'the softest emerging' TP! The confession came about after a discussion on how neither of us had any problem using cloth diapers, but would hate to recycle *ahem* everything.
Excellent article. Since I've been in Thailand, I've discovered the most remarkable invention - the spray. It's like a pressurized garden hose that usually hangs beside the toilet. It's more amazing than a bidet. All I know is, I can't imagine going back to paper - it's just kinda gross.
Thanks for the article! Cheers.
The Vikings were probably the first to opt for comfort as well as hygiene. They used discarded sheep’s wool.
Hahahahaha. I can't imagine a wool being used as a toilet paper. It feels... weird :p
Ivorwen your friend is an environmental martyr indeed! Good to see you here too, thanks for stopping by to comment.
Laura I really appreciate your kind words. I've never been to Thailand, but the whole water/hose thing does sound more civilized as long as you can keep your clothes dry in the process :)
Iamcoolguy - Hello and thanks. I guess those tough Vikings had tough bottoms, although sheep's wool still sounds softer than the phone book.
While sheep's wool sound like a good idea, I have some that I was given, as 'it needed some work.' Let's just say that it is covered with dirt, leaves and twigs, not to mention sheep poop. Even washing it a couple times has not made it usable. Hopefully, they were using the cleaner stuff!
Thanks for the update. I guess only a Viking knows the answer to that one Ivorwen, but I'd venture to guess, they used it "as is". The first toilet roll had splinters, so twigs must have been "acceptable" back then!
LOL!!! Woa...fun hub! hmm.....
Hello Raven King...always glad to make someone smile.
I got a bit bogged down reading this one lol !
LOL tatooguy! The puns are endless! I actually never hear the term "bog" until I met my British hubby.
Tis widely used here in Ireland, the phrase that is ; )
Glad I live in the west. This was a great hub. You learn something new everyday.
Hello TR! Thanks for your kind comments!
Amazing & amusing! Never thought that something we take so much for granted had such a history! Thanks for a great hub.
You are so welcome!..and welcome to HubPages dragonbear:)
I loved this article! You are incredibly thorough, which probably explains why you chose this topic in the first place. Thanks for the experience.
I had never thought that much about toilet paper. Though a little common sense tells me that we have it made in developed countries.
Great job. This is one of the most extensive article on toilet paper that I've seen.
Great hub Lotus! As funny as a topic that it is, I find "wierd" facts like this extremely interesting! Now why DON'T they teach a class like this in college? Not just on TP, but maybe a class entitled Strange Product History or something of the like. I'll keep reading your stuff for sure.
El Gringo. Hello! Your comments are much appreciated!
bengriston - Thanks for stopping by. Some folks still prefer the squat and hose, but I agree, I'm happy with my TP!..and the occasional wet wipe!
peaceful - Thanks so much and glad you enjoyed the hub.
hella- Hello! I agree wholeheartedly... A whole new curriculum:)! Thanks for reading my hubs too.
Hilarious...I love strange facts...the origin of words...and yes, all I ever wanted to know about TP. Great hub. It is something I've wondered about from time to time (emphasis on distance), but let go. Glad you took on the challenge!
Good hub!! The information is centrifuged in very coherent manner and presentation is of par excellence. The language used is very simple and easy to grasp. Toilet paper are widely used across the globe, and the brand Charmin is hugely popular in America. The clarity and balance shine from this hub. Thanks a lot for providing such a fruitful information.
Hello Annie4! Always nice to see a new face and to know someone enjoyed my hub. Thanks so much and welcome to HubPages!
Wow, thanks stephens for your glowing comments! Clarity and balance is my new mantra.
Good to see you getting to the bottom of a neglected, but(t) fundamental subject!
There is a UK toilet paper add that has the slogan "Be kind to your behind!" It makes me fall about laughing evey time I see it.
Many thanks for this informative and entertaining hub.
Hi Liam! I've always been interested in getting to the "bottom"of things! Thanks for your kind comments.
I love how you can take a subject and make it entertaining and artsy, who would have thought of making origami toilet paper designs. I just saw a quote today that said, 'humor paves a delightfully smooth road between setbacks and successes.' we need humor, even when we're sitting on the throne and discover there's no toilet paper in reach. :]
OOps...been writing for over 2 hrs..Laughing all the way to the throne rE! I do love that "humor" quote!
I don't like to think too much much about what hangs off the the ends of westerners. You need to learn the ways of the East and wash every visit to the Hong Nam.
Thanks for your comments WIHOTEOW. I enjoy learning about different cultures and respect them all. I think it's good that you've decided not to think too much about unpleasant subjects.
I hate to say I love it but I sure miss it when it is gone.
I learned that a single man who doesn't spend a lot of time in his apartment can make a single roll last a couple months, but wow.
This is definitely informative.
Excellent and interesting article...all is really?
Thanks affiliate for commenting.
Yes toilet paper is a big issue. With five people in my house we seem to use a lot so I only buy recycled in brown paper at least that way I can compost the rolls and package. Oh the ad is funny - hope you realise it is a spoof from one of our comedy shows down here. We are not that rugged.
Hello kj8. You're very admirable recycling those rolls and packaging! I commend you. Yes, after the hot sauce scene, I got the idea that the Aussie ad was a spoof!
wow, that Sarah Palin TP is quite interesting. but it's not even surprising cause just the other day I stumbled across "punky's pads". apparently some women have time to very intricately design and glamorize their "feminine napkins" a.k.a pads. i personally find nothing glamorous about that time of month...
Thanks for your interesting comment e-matter! Never heard of punky's pads. Not my style.
Lotus, I was just reading a travel article that mentioned the lack of toilet facilities in another country (I forgot where) and they talked about the 'strange' toilets they had to use without really saying how different they were. Thanks for the enlightenment! Now I know a lot more about toilet paper than I need too!
LOL dolores glad to be "enlightening" and thanks for the visit!
WOW, what an hub. I was absoulutely glued to it. Here in India we alwasy use our left hand, water and soap to clean ourselves. Wiping ourselves......couldn't even think about it.
Yes I know about that custom too 1_roy, and never offer your left hand in a hand shake! :) Thanks for your kind comment.
hahahah but also interesting history
Thanks purplerose. i'm still laughing at it myself :)
Hi, I thought you were talking crap at first!! lol sorry couldn't resist. I don't think I could use those squating toilets I would fall head first in or out or something! ha ha I get that the water and soap bit is clean, but two points, one that you have to touch your bits in the first place!, and two do they have towels to dry their hands with? I think I will stick to the toilet paper! well not stick to it, stick to it, oh you get what I mean! hee hee cheers nell
Lol Nell! It's good to see you here on this old Hub and glad you found it full of "useful" crap! You're lucky to have never found yourself in the unpleasant situation of having to use a third-world squat toilet. I still have terrifying dreams about one on road to Marrakesh. Hand towels? Forget about it!! You're lucky if there is a tap for running water. Cheers!
Hi, had to come back because of a strange coincidence in the Daily star newspaper today! Muslim only public loos' headlines! evidently the stupid council have added those squat toilets to a shopping centre in Rochdale, up north of england! the locals are going nuts! they say it is like a third world toilet, as it isn't even particularly sanitary, and even the local asians don't want it! this country is getting weirder and weirder! lol cheers nell
OMG Dont they have better ways to spend their money on improvements? What's with this "muslim only" stuff?? I have to check out the Daily Star on-line. Thanks for the "heads" up - no pun intended LOL!.....OK here it is on-line..it's hysterical!
oh..what an art using toilet papers, i think everybody who uses toilet paper must read your hub..thanks for this hub
Thanks preston. I love the TP origami too! I even bought the book! Thanks for stopping by :)
I am late coming to this party but...I have two granddaughter that were potty trained using the threat of the squat toilets. We discovered in China that a pack of "kleenex" or even several were handy to have. Really...if you can't squat you may as well stay at home.
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sirrot you're never too late to contribute and I thank you! My husband has been to China several times and has returned with some interesting potty stories :(
Lmao....too funny, butt educational as well!! Thanks! A very interesting read!! Glad I stumbled onto this:)
azure_sky - I'm glad you did too! Thanks for the visit:)
I am "green with envy" after reading this artful hub on toilet paper. No one but you, GL, could have pulled this off. Intertaining, funny, educational...a smash hit! What a pro you are. A huge thumbs up!
VocalC you make me blush (or should I say "flush"?). I think this Hub already has some competition from this week's HubMob topic. Much thanks again
I had great fun reading! Learned something, some things might come useful but hoping I wouldn't need to improvise :-))
Evita - I hear you! TP is one product that cannot be replaced in civilized households. Cheers
What does one say after that? Unique topic? Interesting approach? Nicely handled? How bout, Thank God I live in America!
cgreen - I'm happy you enjoyed this cgreen. I think one of my first wake up calls that made me realize that the standards of living in the U.S were quite high was when I encountered middle eastern toilet paper years ago. At that time it was made out of something similar to the old egg cartons here. Not very pleasant. I've been to a few squat toilet too :) Cheers!
Good topic to discuss."TP is a product that cannot be replaced in civilized households" - this is not a right statement,rather its uncivilized to wipe yourselves off as ancient civilizations did like using skins,leaves or wool to clean themselves up.having said that man hasn't changed from then expect that we use a piece of paper instead of leaves.How advanced is it ,huh!
I have been to lot of asian countries for work infact have lived there for like couple of years.TP has been discussed multiple times.The wetsern toiles are widely used in asian countries now replacing the one on the floor.Clean up with soap and water using hand showers,which would still keep the floor dry and of course with your pants half down as over here.Could use paper towels in public or a handtowel to pat dry,which could be kept exclusively for that purpose.Someone mentioned that it irates to touch it with bare hands and better will clean up in shower.We use hands even at the shower to clean the butt,just that it will be all dry by then.Really unhygenic and think about the soiled undergarments that goes to the laundry with your other clothes.Better wash your hands with soap and now that sanitizers are widely available,could use that too to keep hands clean.That would really keep your body clean without leaving any part stinking ,unless you get a shower.
Hope this helps someone!
Thanks RaceDerived - I don't think one can say enough about TP or toilet hygiene! It is a topic close to everyone heart (about 24 inches :)
ha ha ha green lotus thats a great great hub about toilets and TPs!! voting up rite away!!
carrie
carrie - Thanks for the vote up! Have a nice Thanksgiving and don't run out of TP :)
We certainly are spoiled LOL
Enelle- We sure are. I just returned from central america where even the most costly TP feels like cardboard!
Awesome! It is so funny and educational reading this hub. I find it great that you write about this topic as it seems weird to talk about it. Well done.
This hub brings me back to my memory lane. When I was a child in the Philippines, we had a squat toilet outside the house as it was common then on the 6o´s-70´s. Like the others in the neighbourhood, we used the inside (the hairy one) of the coconut husk besides the brown or green banana leaves. Some Filipinos who could afford to buy newspapers at that time, used there old newspapers for cleaning their butt. Some used the "used" school papers or the notebooks. Funny, I remember that now. Nowadays, Filipinos use toilet papers, tissues and of course water to clean their behind.
I´m glad I encountered TP. I can´t imagine without it anymore. Thanks to the founder.
Voted up and educational!
Thelma - Hah ha. I guess I am a bit "weird", but it does make for creative writing. I'm glad you commented. Thanks so much for sharing your tale of TP :) Cheers.
Rochelle Frank 2 years ago
Wow, you really got on a roll with this. (ha)
Several years ago we had some European visitors who were almost uncontrollably amused at seeing American toilet tissue printed with a decorative tiny little rosebud pattern.
I have seen paper from other countries that looks a little more like sandpaper.
Excellent and interesting article-- though it verges on TMI. (Mussel shells?)